get me to college part 4: what else colleges look for
DESCRIPTION
This is Part 4: What Else Colleges Look For of a five part powerpoint presentation, Get Me To College: A College Readiness primer. Dr. Rebecca Joseph, a college admissions and access expert, designed this presentation and invites you to use it as long as you cite her.TRANSCRIPT
Part 4: What Else Colleges Look For: Essays,
Applications, Recommendations, and more.
Dr. Rebecca [email protected]
TO LEARN MORE
Email [email protected] [email protected]
Phone 323-646-5759
Facebook Getmetocollege Freeadvice
Twitter @getmetocollege
Website getmetocollege.org (focus on first
generation and under-represented students)
Grades Academic Rigor Standardized Test Scores Strong applications Great essays Counselor Reports Extracurricular Activities Teacher Letters of
Recommendation Other Unique Features
WHAT COLLEGES LOOK FOR IN MATCH STUDENTS
There are many forms of applications. Most are now online. Public colleges have their own
applications. Fortunately, most private colleges use
the Common Application. Sigh, not MIT OR GEORGETOWN or most
state universities. Fortunately, all have overlapping
features. Develop a plan for organizing application
requirements Make sure you fill in every component
and leave nothing to the imagination.
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
TYPES OF APPLICATIONS
Rolling-apply anytime in fall and get response within weeks.
Early Decision-select one private college to apply to in November and receive response in mid December…BINDING. Families who will depend on financial aid need to know that ED comes out before financial aid.
Early Action-also November-December schedule but not binding.
Regular-Typically January 1 or 15th. April notification. May 1 decisions. You can only accept one school.
UC and CSU applications due November 30 (October 30 for some CSU impacted majors)
OTHER KEY FACTORS: 5. APPLICATION ESSAYS
Application essays are often the top non-academic component colleges use in admissions.
Essays must have a sizzle, a message, a unique story.
Essays can tip student in. I have a unique
iPhone/iPad/Google Application requirements. Visit my site http://www.allcollegeessays.org
DIFFERENT ROUTES TO UC…
Eligibility in the Statewide ContextStudents who meet minimum requirements for coursework, grade point average and test scores are admitted by this path.
Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC)Students who rank in the top 4 percent at participating California high schools may be admitted through ELC. Must meet GPA and testing requirements.
Eligibility by Examination AloneStudents may qualify for admission by achieving high scores on the ACT Assessment plus Writing or SAT Reasoning Test, and on two SAT Subject Tests.
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/educators/counselors/adminfo/freshman/advising/admission_reqs.html
COUNSELORS-Key Allies
Counselors letters are required component of most private college and some public college applications.
The more your counselor knows your child the better a letter the counselor can write.
Counselors often even call schools on your behalf.
Yet counselors have large caseloads…so students and families must be proactive but not pushy.
Listen to your counselor. They know the context of your school and its relationship to colleges the best.
Court your counselor. If counselor uses a “brag sheet,” fill it out with
as many examples and details as possible—both students and parents.
If the counselors use Naviance, sign up and explore. The resources and information available are wonderful.
Develop a joint college list with reach, challenge, 50-50, and likely. An unbalanced list is dangerous.
DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Colleges want varied student populations. They want students who enhance their campuses and take advantage of resources.
They look for students who participate actively in school and community activities.
They want students who show in their activity choices and participation Consistency Development Leadership Initiative.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY TIMELINE
Freshman-Sophomore Year; Participate in activities in and out of school that interest and motivate student.
Junior Year- Continue with current activities. Do not stop. Students can start an activity, but must plan to continue it through senior year.
Junior and Senior Year: Take on leadership responsibilities in current activities.
Summer-Use each summer well--- Get a job Get an internship Volunteer Take enrichment courses Juniors-take college courses Continue with camp, sports, and other
activities
TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS
Most private colleges and many public colleges want one to two letters of recommendations from teachers.
They want core academic letters—English, SS, Math, Science, and Foreign Language.
They prefer junior and senior year teachers or teachers that students have had more than once
They want teachers who know student well.
Extra letters are fine, especially for scholarships and if you get deferred or waitlisted.
TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS: JUNIOR-SENIOR YEAR GRADE
TIMELINE
Sophomore Year-Start saving core graded assigned.
Junior Year-If core teachers are planning to leave school…get contact info.
Senior Year Fall-Ask one to two teachers. Ask EARLY.
Senior Year Fall-Give teachers packets with appropriate forms and envelopes and brag sheets. Remind them of all the wonderful things you did in class-written, oral, and more.
OTHER SPECIALTY AREAS
Sports NCAA regulations NCAA Clearinghouse Varsity, clubs, summer
programs Arts
Auditions Art Supplements NACAC Visual and Performing
Arts Fairs http://www.nacacnet.org/EventsTraining/CollegeFairs/
pva/Pages/default.aspx
Particular areas of expertise Develop a strong, strong
resume and/or portfolio
TO LEARN MORE
Email [email protected] [email protected]
Phone 323-646-5759
Facebook Getmetocollege Freeadvice
Twitter @getmetocollege
Website getmetocollege.org (focus on first
generation and under-represented students)